How can I tell if my computer is up to date?

Your computer is up to date when you've installed the latest updates for Windows and your programs. To check for Windows updates, follow these steps:

Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update.

In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.

If any updates are found, click Install updates.

You might see both important and optional updates. If you don't see the Install updates button when there are only optional updates, click Optional updates available, choose the ones you want, and then click OK.

Note

If language packs are available, install only the languages that you use.

Important updates help improve the security of Windows and your computer, and they should be installed. Optional updates often are updated device drivers or program updates that aren't critical to their operation. You can install optional drivers if they add features (such as additional languages) or if you are having problems with an existing device or program. For more information about security updates, see Get security updates for Windows.

To check for updates for other software programs and devices that do not appear in Windows Update, go to the software publisher's or manufacturer's website.

Tips

Here's how to get updates for Windows and other Microsoft programs at the same time, including updates for Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook , Excel, PowerPoint , and more) as well as new Microsoft software: In the left pane of Windows Update, click Change settings. Then, under Microsoft Update, select the Give me updates for Microsoft products and check for new optional Microsoft software when I update Windows check box. If you're already using Microsoft Update, which works with Windows automatic updating, Windows Update will automatically open and display your update status.

Some programs, such as antivirus or spyware monitoring programs, provide a link to check for updates from within the program or have subscription services that can notify you when new updates are available. It's a good practice to check for updates for your security-related programs first, and then for the programs or devices you use most often. If you use Windows Defender, see Keep Windows Defender definitions up to date for more information.

Your computer is up to date when you've installed the latest updates for Windows and your programs. To check for Windows updates, follow these steps:

Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Update.

In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.

If any updates are found, click Install updates. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

To check for updates for other software programs and devices, go to the publisher's or manufacturer's website.

Tips

To see how to get updates for Windows and other Microsoft programs at the same time, including updates for Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook , Excel, PowerPoint , and more), go to the Microsoft Update website. If you're already using Microsoft Update, which works with Windows automatic updating, Windows Update in Control Panel will automatically open and display your update status.

Some programs, such as antivirus or spyware monitoring programs, provide a link to check for updates from within the program. Some software publishers also offer subscription services and can notify you when new updates are available. It's a good idea to check for updates for your security-related programs first, and then for the programs or devices you use most often.